Solar System

Synonyms

Natural Satellite

Natural Satellites

Satellite, Natural

Satellites, Natural

Sun

System, Solar

The group of celestial bodies, including the EARTH, orbiting around and gravitationally bound by the sun. It includes eight planets, one minorplanet, and 34 natural satellites, more than 1,000 observed comets, and thousands of lesser bodies known as MINOR PLANETS (asteroids) and METEOROIDS. (From Academic American Encyclopedia, 1983)